• Directions
• Chair's letters
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2007-2010
  • 2003-2006
  • 1999-2002
  • 1995-1998
  • 1991-1994
• Chief Executive's letters
• Multiple Births Minimisation Strategy: achievements and compliance
• Frequently used guidance
• Inspecting surgical procedures
• Retrieval of storage of gametes where patients are unable to consent
• Surrogacy and legal parenthood – changes from 1 October 2013

19 October 2000

To: All Persons Responsible

Dear Colleague,

Audit of Stored Sperm, Eggs and Embryos

You will have been aware of certain problems, reported in the press, in relation to the apparent failure of two licensed centres to locate embryos that were held in storage for a number of patients.

Naturally this has been a matter of some concern to us, as indeed I have no doubt it will have been to you. The specific details of this case are the subject of ongoing investigation and it is not possible for the time being to elucidate the precise nature or cause of the problem in the clinics concerned. However, you may also be aware of the interest that has been expressed in this matter by the Chief Medical Officer and by the Secretary of State for Health. I have been in contact with both the CMO and the Secretary of State, and we are agreed that it is important for all concerned that we should be able to reassure patients and the public about the position in other centres.

As you know, it is a general requirement of the Code of Practice (paragraph 9.18) that centres carry out an annual review of stored gametes and embryos against their records. However, in view of the current circumstances I would be grateful if you would carry out now a full audit of all material in storage, and report the results of this audit to me by 15 December at the latest. I am aware that over the past couple of weeks a number of clinics have already started or completed such audits, in which case these need not be repeated.

This is a precautionary measure, but I do think that it is in the interests of patients and centres alike that we should be able to demonstrate the confidence that we have in the systems that are in place.

I look forward to receiving your audit report.

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Deech
Chairman

Page last updated: 14 April 2009

• Send to a friend